As of Tuesday morning, Raley’s shoppers are no longer faced with the decision of whether or not to cross the picket lines to shop at their favorite supermarket.

Following around-the-clock bargaining, the Raley’s supermarket chain and the United Food and Commercial Workers Union 8 (UFCW8) announced Tuesday morning they have reached an agreement in the 9-day strike at Raley’s stores across northern California and Nevada.

“This is very exciting because this contract provides us with the cost savings we need to fund our vision and the initiatives to make us more competitive in the 21st Century,“ said Mike Teel, president of the Raley’s Family of stores. He added, “I greatly appreciate the incredible effort put forth by our employees and company during this time as well as thank the many customers who continued to support us.”

In a video announcement posted on the UFCW8’s website (yourbreadandbutter.com), the union’s President Jacques Loveall said, “Because of our members’ solidarity and the exceptional support of the shoppers, we’ve been able to protect our members in a very, very challenging environment.”

Loveall echoed Teel's statement that the agreement addressed the company’s competitive challenges. He added that the deal also honors the dignity, respect and security of the union members.

In their press release, Raley’s said the details of the agreement will not be made public until after it is ratified by union members, as is expected. Additionally, the agreement will be extended to employees of Bel Air stores, which are owned by Raley’s but were not part of the strike.

In his address, Loveall did reveal a few general elements of the agreement. He said Raley’s has agreed to continue to fund and participate in the union’s healthcare plan. He also said the agreement guarantees that union members will not be subjected to reprisals for striking and will retain their positions, seniority and healthcare eligibility.

“There is a time to fight and a time to unite,” said Loveall. He concluded, “Now is the time for all of us to come together. Lets get back to work serving the customers who supported our cause. I’d like to ask the customers to hurry back to Raley’s and Nob Hill.”